We’re told the Purple One turned up to Mark Pitts’ post-BET Awards party at the Emerson Theatre in LA Sunday with an entourage of 20 in four cars.

“There was a point person coordinating with the police to get him in for 30 minutes,” says an insider. “The cops finally agreed to allow the cars to drive to the backdoor, but so many other celebs were trying to get in. Prince was very polite but left.”

Those inside the JRose Agency and Perk Hospitality bash included Usher and Nelly.